OVER 100 children descended on the Antrim Forum this week as the Irish FA and GAA Primary Schools coaches organized an Olympic Fun Day.

The event raised the profile and awareness of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, and also the work the IFA and Ulster GAA are doing to develop the next generation of young athletes.

At the event, which was inclusive to all abilities, boys and girls had the opportunity to take part in a range of skill based activities themed around many of the Olympic sports.

Colin Roden, Irish FA Primary School’s coach said: “The aim of today was to bring kids from different schools together to play different Olympic and Paralympic sports.   The day was fantastic.  You could see from the smiles on all the children’s faces how much fun they were having.  It really was a great event.”

Ulster GAA's Director of Coaching and Games, Dr Eugene Young added: "Ulster GAA are delighted to be part of an event highlighting the Olympic Spirit.  With Handball targeted as a demonstration sport for 2016 it is hoped that the agility, balance and hand eye coordination being developed will see some of our young athletes progress to this world stage."

Funded by the Department of Education for Northern Ireland, the Primary Schools Curriculum Coaching Programme has gone from strength to strength since it was launched in 2007.  Each week, the Irish FA and Ulster GAA have 62 full-time specialist coaches working with 30,000 children in schools across Northern Ireland to deliver and support physical education programmes and teachers.

The programme recognises the power of sport to be the vehicle and means to help improve many facets of our children's physical and social development and it provides an excellent opportunity to capture the enthusiasm and interest of children at Primary Schools, which in turn will hopefully generate a passion in them to continue and develop their sporting careers.  It is also hoped that long-term, this will help shape their lifestyles in a positive manner as they become young adults.

Click here for BBC Coverage of the event

Click here for Irish FA TV Video